Polls predict victory for GOP

Owned and published by UMHB, The Bells is a biweekly publication. This content was previously published in print on the Opinions page. Opinions expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or the university.

Today marks a monumental day in the course of America’s history. All summer long, incumbent politicians have been sweating in anticipation.

It’s Election Day.

The 2010 midterm elections are held across the country today.

All of the seats in the House of Representatives, 435, are going under the knife. Thirty-seven of the 100 seats in the Senate will be decided. And 38 state and territorial governorships have the potential to change.

In the 2006 and 2008 elections, Republicans took major losses. They gave up the majority they had held in Congress since 1994. After the public’s dissatisfaction with George W. Bush’s administration rose to its boiling point, a Democrat was elected to the White House.

President Obama will not be up for reelection quite yet, though, to the dismay of conservatives. However, they have bragged all summer that the GOP is going to take back control of the Congress. Will their hopes and dreams prove true?

The polls say yes.

According to Election Projection Online, as of Oct. 31, Republicans could acquire 62 seats in the House of Representatives. This is the tipping of the scale many voters have anticipated.

It would confirm the optimistic anticipation of many conservatives and give the GOP the majority in Congress. They would hold 241 seats, while Democrats would occupy 194.

In gubernatorial races, more of the same is expected, according to EPO. Republicans are projected to take 30 governorships, an increase of six, with the Democrats controlling 19 after the election.

Gains in the Senate are still predicted for the GOP, but they are not as significant as those in the House.

Republicans are expected to gain eight Senate seats, which would give each party 49 seats (EPO). Two seats are currently occupied by independents and are not expected to change hands.

This shift of power in Congress can be attributed to several factors; however, the current condition of the nation’s economy is the most prevalent issue with voters and candidates alike.

Voters have taken the wool off of their eyes. They are no longer blind to the effects the Obama Administration’s policies are having on the country. Health care, bailouts, taxes and deficits are the menacing behemoths looming between people and a vote for Democrats at the poll booths.

People have not forgotten the “accomplishments” made while the Democrats controlled Congress, as the party had hoped.

The polls confirm that many people are upset with the leadership of the country and the direction in which it is moving.

America is ready for a change, this time in the direction of conservatism.

Garrett is a sophomore mass communication/journalism major from Granger, Texas. He is the opinions page editor for The Bells. Garrett is also an RA in McLane Hall as well as member of the men’s tennis team. His hobbies include spending quality time with friends and family, listening to music and playing some of his own on the guitar.

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